10 things classy people never tolerate

When I think of classy people, a certain image comes to mind – stylish clothes, a sophisticated air, impeccable manners…

But that’s not all they are. In fact, being classy isn’t just about wearing the latest designer clothes or owning expensive things.

True class is about having a certain demeanor and grace that commands respect. But while classy people are no doubt filled with grace and patience, there are just some things that they will never find acceptable.

What exactly are these?

Join me and take a look at the ten things classy people will never tolerate. It may help you take stock of and refresh your own list of unacceptable behavior.

Let’s dive in!

1. Rudeness

Classy people have a zero-tolerance policy for rudeness. Whether it’s speaking rudely to others, interrupting a conversation, or being generally disrespectful, they never engage in such behavior.

Because here’s what you should know about them: kindness and respect are among their core values.

They understand that everyone is worthy of respect, no matter who they are. They believe in treating others the way they want to be treated.

So, you’ll never find them being rude to waiters in restaurants or snapping when they get frustrated.

And, of course, they expect the same kind of respect from other people, too!

2. Being late

Speaking of respect brings me to my next point – punctuality.

For classy people, punctuality is a sign of respect, so they always make sure to show up on time.

They see being late as a sign of disrespect – if you’re late, it sends the message that your time is more valuable than that of the people you’ve kept waiting.

Not only that, but coming to engagements or meetings late also shows a lack of discipline and organization.

So forget about being fashionably late. Show people the respect they deserve by arriving on time!

3. Gossip

I know, I know. Sometimes you just can’t resist partaking in some juicy gossip. Believe me, I’ve been there, and I know it’s so hard to stop listening when someone’s got a delicious tidbit for your ears.

But you know what? It’s time to kick that nasty habit. You certainly won’t find classy people dishing out gossip about other people!

Because the truth is, they think gossiping is just another – a secret – form of rudeness.

They also know that spreading rumors and talking behind others’ backs is not only hurtful but also a sign of immaturity and insecurity.

Instead, they prefer to engage in meaningful conversations that build others up, rather than tear them down.

Think Michelle Obama or Emma Watson…these women are great examples of people who prefer to engage in productive activities that uplift the lives of others!

4. Negative attitudes

When life gets you down, it’s so easy to lapse into bouts of self-pity or endless rounds of complaining.

Take a page from the Classy People Playbook and say, down with negativity!

Classy people never tolerate negativity – life is too short to waste on unproductive thoughts.

What do they do instead? They choose to look onward and upward!

They focus on the good things in life to stay graceful and optimistic. I guess that’s one of the reasons why it always feels good to be with a classy person!

So, because they focus on the positives, you can bet they won’t stand for negative attitudes like…

5. Lack of gratitude

Do you ever feel like nothing good ever happens to you? Do you forget to say thank you, or worse, do you take people for granted?

I know we don’t mean to engage in these kinds of behavior, and it certainly is human nature to feel discouraged when life doesn’t go your way. It’s all too easy to forget our blessings when we’re faced with many problems.

But you see, this kind of outlook is never helpful.

If there’s anything I’ve learned from the classy people in my life, it’s this – a life lived with gratitude is a life lived with grace.

And that’s not just some aphorism they plucked from the air; research on the psychology of gratitude actually says the same thing.

Gratitude isn’t just about being polite; it also strengthens relationships and fosters positivity. People who take the time to appreciate both the good and bad stuff have better relationships and are just downright happier!

So be a classy person and always show your appreciation for others!

6. Dishonesty

One of the things I’ve noticed about classy people is that they have this air of righteousness about them.

I don’t mean the bad kind, like the one you find in self-righteous or judgmental people. I’m talking about an aura that just feels so light and clean.

That’s not to say they’re perfect people, of course not. But they do have a strong sense of right and wrong – they won’t stand for dishonest behavior, whether it’s lying or engaging in unethical practices.

They understand that honesty is essential to the foundation of any strong relationship and that lying only erodes trust and respect. Classy individuals are always truthful and transparent, even when it’s difficult.

7. Inappropriate jokes

Before anything else, I’d like to say – I like jokes. No, I love jokes. I appreciate humor, whether in my personal or professional life; it just makes my day so much lighter when there’s something to laugh about!

But here’s the rub – not all jokes are appropriate.

There’s such a thing as an inappropriate joke, one that’s offensive or made at the expense of others.

And that’s something classy people just won’t take sitting down.

They do have a sense of humor, but they also know that there’s a time and place for everything.

They like making and laughing at jokes just like the rest of us, but only those that use humor in a respectful and wholesome way, never crossing the line into offensive territory.

8. Self-centeredness

Endless selfies? A my-way-or-the-highway attitude? Nonstop talking about oneself?

These are things classy people never do.

Because it’s self-centered behavior, and classy people are anything but self-centered.

They are the exact opposite – they put other people’s needs and feelings first because they are just naturally considerate and thoughtful.

In fact, even if they are a cut above the rest in terms of character, they never think they are superior.

Again, this boils down to RESPECT – a key trait that all classy people seem to have.

They believe that strong relationships are built on mutual respect and that showing interest in others is an important part of building connections.

That also explains why they avoid…

9. Being overly competitive

There’s nothing wrong with being competitive. Some of us are driven and motivated to succeed, and I totally applaud that.

But when competitiveness becomes too much, it can become detrimental to our relationships.

Classy people don’t do this. They never engage in excessive competition, whether it’s with others or themselves.

You know why? Because once again, classy people live life with grace. This shapes their attitude around competition as well, in which they see competition as healthy, but it should also never take away from the joy of the experience.

There’s this video I once came across of runners competing in a marathon. Just a few feet shy of the finish line, one of them stumbled and suffered an injury.

And you know the amazing thing that happened? Two other runners racing alongside her stopped. They picked her up and helped carry her to the finish line!

Think about it – those runners gave up their own chances at winning just to give someone else the dignity of finishing the race!

If you want to see it for yourself, take a look here. I’m sure you’ll come away feeling as inspired as I was by these classy runners!

10. Poor hygiene

And now, here’s the last thing you have to know about classy people – they understand the importance of good manners.

And that includes being well-groomed.

It’s not just about looking good for the sake of ego. On the contrary, it’s more about making other people feel comfortable around them, which is, after all, the main purpose of manners and etiquette.

For classy people, self-care is essential. They understand that personal grooming is a sign of self-respect; when you have healthy habits, you just can’t help but feel good about yourself.

This inner sense radiates outwards, conveying the message that they value themselves and care enough to be presentable to the people around them.

Final thoughts

As you can see, being classy is about more than just appearances, social class, and material possessions. It goes beyond having a fabulous wardrobe, a wide vocabulary, or a commanding presence.

Instead, it’s all about going through life with grace, kindness, and respect for others.

By avoiding the behaviors listed above and focusing on positive, respectful interactions, you can embody the qualities of a truly classy individual.

So, the next time you find yourself in a social situation, remember these ten things that classy people never tolerate and let your inner classiness shine!